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Former Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is a finalist for the NBA Coach of the Year award, while LeBron James and Ben Simmons are in the running for honours.

The finalists for key NBA awards were announced on Wednesday, with some surprising names making the final lists – including Casey.

Casey was sacked by the Raptors following their series sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, having guided Toronto to a franchise-record 59 regular-season wins and the top seed.

Rookie of the Year and MVP seem like the most compelling races this year, with Philadelphia 76ers guard Simmons and Cavs superstar James among the contenders for the respective awards.

Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists as the 76ers reached the Eastern Conference semis, while James is averaging 33.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.2 assists in the playoffs for the Cavs – who trail the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the conference finals.